THE Vale of Glamorgan is set to offer it's first new intensive Welsh language course in nearly fifty years later this month, which aims to get students up to a high standard of fluency in less than a year.

The course, which starts at Hebron Hall, Dinas Powys on October 16, is one of a variety of different courses offered by Dysgu Cymraeg Y Fro in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

While courses are already on offer across the Vale, this course is the only one available in which learners can complete two levels, entry and foundation, in less than one year.

The course will be made up of one week of intensive learning every month, for nine months.

There have been no intensive courses available in the area since one started by Barry College in 1966. Lord Heycock, former Glamorgan County Council chairman, and E D Lewis, Barry College Principal, were inspired to start the course to train Welsh-medium teachers to teach in schools across Wales.

Cennard Davies, who taught on the original intensive course between 1968 and 1975 said: "I saw a great need to ensure that the Welsh language was taught correctly in schools. This course was an opportunity for teachers from all over the country to come together to be immersed in the language."

Dysgu Cymraeg Y Fro provides Welsh language courses in the Vale of Glamorgan on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The cost of the course is £150 and prospective students can book online at learnwelsh.cymru, or by contacting 01446730402.

Spokeswoman for Dysgu Cymraeg Y Fro, Suzanne Condon, said: "We are very pleased to be able to offer this intensive learning course in the Vale.

"There is an increasing interest in our Welsh courses in this area, and this teaching programme will add to the courses available.

"The course is suitable for those working flexible hours or those who are retired. The learners will be able to fit the lessons around their busy lives and finish the homework at a convenient time for them."

Cllr Bob Penrose, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for learning and culture, said: “Through its Learn Welsh the Vale/Dysgu Cymraeg y Fro team, the Vale of Glamorgan Council will continue to offer people within the County the opportunity to learn and improve their Welsh language skills.

"Since winning the three-year contract to provide Welsh for Adults courses in the Vale from the newly-established National Centre for Learning Welsh in 2016, the number of adults learning Welsh has grown significantly. Numbers were up 50 per cent during the first year and early indications are this year’s intake is even higher.

“Now Learn Welsh the Vale/Dysgu Cymraeg is offering Vale residents the opportunity to enrol on an intensive Welsh course in an effort to further boost the numbers learning the language.”